Scientology

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes Scientology and provides a background on its late founder L. Ron Hubbard. It describes Hubbard's 1950 publication "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health" and how it became the foundation of Scientology. The paper describes the history and theology of the Church of Scientology and looks at what makes it so successful and appealing to people today.

From the Paper:

"The Church of Scientology is clearly part religion, part business. After visiting the Teaneck Missionary I became increasingly convinced of its brilliant business model. The sales representatives were attractive and well-dressed, forceful and just bordering on being pushy. They market their religion well through a range of free materials and introductory seminars. This serves two functions: to make the individual feel guilty and more prone to at least buying one of the Scientology books being sold in the reception area; and as a sales technique. The personality test sells the individual on the Scientology teachings, many of which happen to make sense on a cerebral level. Moreover, the Church of Scientology maintains an intricate and hierarchical network that closely resembles the corporate world. Scientology captures the spirit of capitalism and globalization, delivering its products and services worldwide."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adherents.com "Major Religions Ranked by Size." Retrieved May 1, 2007 from http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html#Scientology
• "About L. Ron Hubbard." An Introduction to Scientology. Church of Scientology International. Retrieved May 1, 2007 from http://www.scientology.org/interview/lronhubbard_3.html
• American Saint Hill Organization. Retrieved May 1, 2007 from http://www.scientology-asho.org/index.htm
• Behar, R. (1991). "The Thriving Cult of Greed and Power." Time Magazine. May 6, 1991, p. 50. Retrieved May 1, 2007 from http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Fishman/time-behar.html
• Christman, T. (nd). Are things being hidden from you? Operation Clambake. Retrieved May 1, 2007 from http://www.xenu.net/archive/infopack/1.htm

More papers on Scientology:

• Comparison Essay # 125321 : "Scientology and Christianity"
• Analytical Essay # 138639 : "The American Church of Scientology"
• Descriptive Essay # 118154 : "Scientology"
• Research Paper # 94189 : "Scientology"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: